Muslims in India Demand Breaking Ties with Israel

Prominent Muslim clerics in India have demanded that India break off diplomatic ties with Israel, Indian media reported Monday.

By Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

First Publish: 5/7/2012, 1:51 PM

Muslims Praying

Reuters

Hundreds of prominent Muslim clerics in India have demanded that India break off diplomatic ties with Israel, the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) reported Monday. Defense trade between Israel and India has developed rapidly and is valued in billions of dollars.

Shi’ite Muslim clerics also called for shutting down Indian’s embassy in the United States.

Relations with Israel are not expected to be affected, but the demand by the growing Muslim population in India serves as an early warning signal because of that growth.

The clerics accused Israel and the United States of being the "biggest sponsors" of international terrorism and that India should focus on improving relations with the Palestinian Authority, Iran and Syria.

Kalbe Jawwad, a cleric and member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, alleged that there has been a "flood of terror attacks in India" since Israel established an embassy in the country. He also accused that the Congress-led union government of "defaming the Muslim community as a whole.”

The Muslim leaders also want more privileges for their community and a larger representation in the government.